Anna Kendrick's directorial debut, 'Woman of the Hour,' explores the chilling true story of Rodney Alcala, a serial killer who appeared on 'The Dating Game' during his crime spree. Despite the fascinating premise, the film receives mixed reviews, criticized for its dry and academic tone, failing to fully engage with its thrilling subject matter.
Anna Kendrick steps behind the camera for the first time with 'Woman of the Hour,' a film that delves into the eerie narrative of Rodney Alcala, a notorious serial killer who bizarrely appeared on a TV dating show amidst his murderous activities. The movie intertwines the true crime fascination with a critique of the 1970s entertainment industry's treatment of women, aiming to shed light on systemic issues through its period narrative and character study.
In 'Woman of the Hour,' Kendrick not only directs but also stars as Cheryl Bradshaw, a fictionalized version of a real-life contestant on 'The Dating Game' who unknowingly selected Alcala as her date. The film explores Alcala's dual life, juxtaposing scenes of his gruesome crimes with his appearance on the TV show, aiming to create a chilling narrative of deceit and danger. Despite Kendrick's efforts and a promising premise, the film is critiqued for its execution, described as 'dry' and 'academic,' lacking the suspense and depth expected of a serial killer drama.
The film attempts to comment on the sexism prevalent in the 1970s Hollywood, a theme that resonates with ongoing discussions about gender dynamics in the entertainment industry. Kendrick portrays the systemic challenges faced by women through the experiences of her character, who navigates the exploitative terrain of Hollywood. However, critics argue that the film's social commentary is overshadowed by its lackluster storytelling, failing to effectively convey the emotional and historical weight of its true crime foundation.
While 'Woman of the Hour' garners attention for bringing a bizarre true crime story to the screen, it ultimately does not live up to its potential, with many viewers feeling it could have been more engaging. The film's critical reception highlights the challenges of adapting such a complex and horrifying story into a feature film that also tries to tackle deep societal issues. Despite this, the film contributes to the broader discourse on the portrayal of women in media and the true crime genre's role in entertainment.
Anna Kendrick's 'Woman of the Hour' ambitiously tackles a chilling real-life story with a critical eye on societal issues, yet struggles to fully capture the depth and tension of its subject matter. While it sparks important conversations about historical and ongoing sexism in Hollywood, the film's impact is dampened by its narrative and stylistic choices, leaving audiences wanting more from this true crime adaptation.
"It winds up existing mostly as a series of well-staged scenes all wrapped up in a bow that tells us the world is not safe out there." - Vulture Review